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2019 Kia Sorento

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2019 Kia Sorento do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 242.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

114 reports with mileage · 312 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 155 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports19 fire reports10 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

22 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2021
Exterior LightingVisibility/wiper

THIS IS ONGOING CONDITION FROM DELIVERY OF VEHICLE. BASED ON CAR COMPLAINTS ALREADY FILED ON CAR COMPLAINTS.COM WE BELIEVE KIA KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS SOME SORT OF RELATIONSHIP OF NIGHT DRIVING AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS THAT CAUSES VERY DARK SHADOW ON WINDSHIELD THAT ABSTRUCTS DRIVER VISION. WE FURTHER ASSERT THAT KNOWI…

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THIS IS ONGOING CONDITION FROM DELIVERY OF VEHICLE. BASED ON CAR COMPLAINTS ALREADY FILED ON CAR COMPLAINTS.COM WE BELIEVE KIA KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS SOME SORT OF RELATIONSHIP OF NIGHT DRIVING AND LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS THAT CAUSES VERY DARK SHADOW ON WINDSHIELD THAT ABSTRUCTS DRIVER VISION. WE FURTHER ASSERT THAT KNOWING THIS KIA WILLFULLY ADJUSTS HEADLIGHTS TOO HIGH TO TRY TO CONCEAL PROBLEM.(DEALER SAID THEY WERE SET 8" TOO HIGH. BUT WHEN ADJUSTED TO FACTORY SETTINGS THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE. CASE NUMBER ENTERED WITH KIA. NOW IN ESCALATION MODE ... HOWEVER WE LIVE ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN WITH 3000 FOOT DROPS IF OUR VISION IS OBSTRUCTED AND WE MISS EDGE OF ROAD. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ADJUSTED BACK TO THE HIGHER SETTING BUT WE FEEL THAT WILL BLIND ON COMING CARS STILL ANOTHER SAFETY DANGER. KIA MUST FIX THIS PROBLEM. i HAVE PHOTOS TO SHOW THIS LIMITED VISION NIGHT DRIVING LOW BEAM RURAL ROAD SAFETY PROB LEM

NHTSA ODI #11442921

Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2021
Exterior Lighting

In September 2021 the driver side turn signal would intermediately work. Replaced the bulb twice with no difference. Upon further inspection, found 2 wires corroded together. Being the vehicle is still under warranty, the Sorento was taken to a Kia dealership in October 2021 which we were told it was damage and not under warr…

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In September 2021 the driver side turn signal would intermediately work. Replaced the bulb twice with no difference. Upon further inspection, found 2 wires corroded together. Being the vehicle is still under warranty, the Sorento was taken to a Kia dealership in October 2021 which we were told it was damage and not under warranty, and a new harness would need to be installed. No mentioned of why the wires over heated, became brittle, and melted together. During that time, the headlight functions started to decrease drastically as I refused a new harness install being that wouldn't solve the problem of why it happened. No warning lights appeared on dash, no messages, just our first clue something was wrong was the driver turn signal was working in spurts. I ended up pig tailing the light socket in fear of a fire and to fight Kia as this is a dangerous situation.

NHTSA ODI #11441259

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2021
Exterior Lighting

The factory design of the low beam headlights seems to have a feature that prevents up-shining into oncoming traffic. However, this design results in a dark shadow-line across the field of vision. This dark shadow-line results in poor visibility especially when driving in areas that are very dark. The shadow-line makes it loo…

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The factory design of the low beam headlights seems to have a feature that prevents up-shining into oncoming traffic. However, this design results in a dark shadow-line across the field of vision. This dark shadow-line results in poor visibility especially when driving in areas that are very dark. The shadow-line makes it look like I'm driving into the bat-cave. I have observed on some online Kia Sorento user forums of the same complaint. My Kia dealer claims that this is a factory design and there is no remedy. I have uploaded 3 photos taken from inside the car parked in front of my white garage door. You can see the horizontal shadow-line and two "teeth" that hang down in the field of view. The line is not very pronounced against the white door, but is very much so when driving on a dark road. Please investigate and advise. Thank you very much.

NHTSA ODI #11440538

Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2021
Exterior Lighting

When driving at night, the headlights appear to be pointed excessively in a down direction leaving me with a dark shadowy area within my line of eyesight. Headlights checked at dealership and reported back as no issues. My Kia owners manual states in chapter 4 page 129 that the headlight beam levels are automatically adjusted…

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When driving at night, the headlights appear to be pointed excessively in a down direction leaving me with a dark shadowy area within my line of eyesight. Headlights checked at dealership and reported back as no issues. My Kia owners manual states in chapter 4 page 129 that the headlight beam levels are automatically adjusted depending on the number of passengers and weight in the trunk and other driving conditions. Also advises to contact Kia dealership with any issues. Done! The Kia dealership informed me that my model does not have the Dynamic Bending Light referred to in Chapter 4 page 130 of the owners manual. At this point if I want to have light in my sight line, I must drive with my headlights on high beam. Oncoming drivers beware! This issue needs to be addressed by Kia.

NHTSA ODI #11437348

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2021
Exterior Lighting

Headlights causing moving shadows, blind areas, phantom objects. Unsafe because visibility is reduced, compromised. Dangerous to operators and passengers. Has a high probability of causing an accident.

NHTSA ODI #11425027

10,000 miles · Apr 20, 2020
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH HEADLIGHTS ON LOW, THE HEADLIGHT DISPLAYED A SHADOW AND BOUNCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE UNIVERSITY KIA OF DURHAM (5105 DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL BLVD, DURHAM, NC 27707 919) 572-1700) WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ADJUSTED AND FUNCTIO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA SORENTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH HEADLIGHTS ON LOW, THE HEADLIGHT DISPLAYED A SHADOW AND BOUNCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE UNIVERSITY KIA OF DURHAM (5105 DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL BLVD, DURHAM, NC 27707 919) 572-1700) WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ADJUSTED AND FUNCTIONED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ODI #11321716

18,200 miles · Dec 10, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, RADIO ON AND ONLY CONNECTED VIA BLUETOOTH. THE RADIO SCREEN WAS FLICKERING AND THEN SHUT DOWN AS IF I MANUALLY TURNED OFF . AS THIS HAPPENED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. I HAD TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND BY THE TIME THAT I DID, I COULDN'T RECORD IT FOR EVIDENCE AS IT REBOOTED ITSELF. I …

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WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, RADIO ON AND ONLY CONNECTED VIA BLUETOOTH. THE RADIO SCREEN WAS FLICKERING AND THEN SHUT DOWN AS IF I MANUALLY TURNED OFF . AS THIS HAPPENED THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF. I HAD TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND BY THE TIME THAT I DID, I COULDN'T RECORD IT FOR EVIDENCE AS IT REBOOTED ITSELF. I CALLED RIGHT AWAY AND HAD TO WAIT 2 DAYS FOR APPT. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME AND RICK CASE KIA IN SUNRISE FL KEEPS GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND. MY BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR IS FINE. I HONESTLY THINK THEY STOP CARING AND JUST GIVE ME EXCUSES AND TELL ME THEY HAVE TO WAIT FOR MFG DECISION ON MY ISSUE. MY ISSUE SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN I AM DRIVING AND CANNOT BE ON MY PHONE RECORDING AS THEY WANT SOME KIND OF VIDEO AS PROOF . SO DISGUSTED WITH THEIR SERVICE AND WISHED I WOULDNT HAVE GONE WITH A KIA.

NHTSA ODI #11288150

327 miles · Nov 30, 2019
Exterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE TWO WEIRD SHAPES AT THE TOP LINE OF THE HEADLIGHTS. THESE SHAPES INTERFERE WITH THE CLEAR DRIVER VIEW AT NIGHT. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND MUST BE RECTIFIED IMMEDIATELY.

NHTSA ODI #11283048

7,000 miles · Nov 23, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train

[XXX] I HAVE SOME RECORDS FROM (LEV KIA) I AM GOING TO SHARE WITH YOU AS SOON AS I GET THEM TOGETHER, IN THE MEANTIME I AM GOING TO DRIVE THIS 2019 KIA SORENTO AND HOPE ON THE HIGHWAY IT DOES NOT DECIDE TO DOWN SHIFT AT 60 OR 70 MPH LIKE IT WAS DOING, ESPECIALLY IF A LARGE TRACTOR TRAILER IS BEHIND ME. I THINK IT WOULD BE A M…

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[XXX] I HAVE SOME RECORDS FROM (LEV KIA) I AM GOING TO SHARE WITH YOU AS SOON AS I GET THEM TOGETHER, IN THE MEANTIME I AM GOING TO DRIVE THIS 2019 KIA SORENTO AND HOPE ON THE HIGHWAY IT DOES NOT DECIDE TO DOWN SHIFT AT 60 OR 70 MPH LIKE IT WAS DOING, ESPECIALLY IF A LARGE TRACTOR TRAILER IS BEHIND ME. I THINK IT WOULD BE A MESS WHEN THEY FIND OUT THAT A (SERIOUS ELECTRIC PROBLEM THAT THE MANAGER WARREN RIOS AT LEV KIA TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE HAS) CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO DOWN SHIFT, I WILL SEND THOSE PAPERS SOON. ALSO IF THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION, WHY DID THEY REPLACE THE FIRST ONE. THEY TOLD ME BECAUSE OF A MOISTURE PROBLEM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE INTERNAL SHIFTING MODULATOR VALVE TO ACT UP, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM I CALLED AND WAS TOLD TO BRING IT BACK AND LEAVE IT THEY HAD TO DO A PROGRAM UPDATE FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO CORRECT THE MODULATOR VALVE. HOW DO YOU CORRECT A MOISTURE PROBLEM IN AN INTERNAL MODULATOR VALVE WITH AN UPDATE? WE WILL SEE WHAT YOUR ANSWER TO THIS IS, THERE WERE OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE #1 E-BRAKE LIGHT COMING ON BY ITSELF #2 THE RIGHT FRONT HEAD LAMP LOWER LAMP GOING OUT 2 TIMES, THEY HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR THREE DAYS AND WENT THROUGH THE WIRE HARNESS CLEANED ALL THE CONNECTORS TO THE LAMP. I TOLD [XXX] THAT A LOT OF THIS HAPPENED AFTER A HEAVY RAIN STORM THAT SOMETHING WAS GETTING WET AND CAUSING EITHER A SHORT OR A SURGE OR A BAD GROUND CONNECTION, I HAVE PICTURES OF THE E-BRAKE LIGHT BEING ON AND THE HEADLAMP LOWER LIGHT OUT ONLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THAT'S IT FOR NOW I WILL SENT THE PAPER WORK SOON. I AM ALSO SENDING A COPY OF THIS NOTE TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND TO KIA CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS, AND THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11281953

1,300 miles · Feb 21, 2019
Exterior Lighting

THE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS ON LOW BEAM ARE AIMED TOO HIGH AND ARE BLINDING AT NIGHT. EVERY CAR THAT PASSES ME AT NIGHT FLASHES THEIR HIGH BEAM LIGHTS AT ME; EVEN A STATE TROOPER FLASHED HIS LIGHTS AT ME AND BLUE LIGHTS, HE DIDN'T PULL ME OVER. I FEEL BAD DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT, PEOPLE ARE THINKING I'M RUDE FOR DRIVING WITH MY …

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THE AUTOMATIC LIGHTS ON LOW BEAM ARE AIMED TOO HIGH AND ARE BLINDING AT NIGHT. EVERY CAR THAT PASSES ME AT NIGHT FLASHES THEIR HIGH BEAM LIGHTS AT ME; EVEN A STATE TROOPER FLASHED HIS LIGHTS AT ME AND BLUE LIGHTS, HE DIDN'T PULL ME OVER. I FEEL BAD DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT NIGHT, PEOPLE ARE THINKING I'M RUDE FOR DRIVING WITH MY HIGH BEAMS ON, WHEN I'M USING MY LOW BEAMS. THE HIGH BEAMS ON THIS VEHICLE OFFER NO ADDITIONAL LIGHTING OF THE ROAD, BUT THEY DO LIGHT UP THE TOPS OF TREES VERY WELL. ALSO, THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS ARE POINTED TOO FAR TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT AND LEAVE A LARGE DARK " V " SHAPED VOID IN THE MIDDLE, EXACTLY WHERE MY EYES FOCUS ON THE ROAD. THE DEALER CHECKED EVERYTHING, STATES OPERATING AS DESIGNED, THEY HAVE NO ABILITY TO ADJUST THE LIGHTS. PER THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT: THE KIA TECH LINE PERSONNEL ARE DENYING THERE ARE ANY ISSUES WITH THE LIGHTS. THIS IS DEFINITELY SOMETHING KIA NEEDS TO FIX. THE LIGHTS ARE THE ONLY THING I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE VEHICLE, AND IT ONLY HAS ABOUT 1400 MILES SO FAR. THE PROBLEM IS MOSTLY NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT ON DARK UNLIT ROADS, HIGHWAYS OR RURAL DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11181734

Official recalls

2

23V639000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 15, 2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sorento vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, water may leak into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and add additional water proofing to the camera harness, or replace the camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 8, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC282.

22V703000 · Trailer Hitches

Sep 19, 2022

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing.  There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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